Planning a Disney World trip for January 2026? Well, it’s one of the best months of the year if you want lower crowds, cooler weather, and better prices…but only if you time it right and know which closures you’re walking into. That’s why I’m walking you through exactly what January at Disney World really feels like right now, including which weeks are slammed with runDisney and cheer competitions, how cold it actually gets once the sun goes down, what you can expect to pay for tickets and hotels, and which new 2026 offerings are worth adding to your must-do list.

I’ve been visiting Disney World for over 30 years, and January is hands down one of my favorite months to visit. Keep reading for everything you need to know about your January 2026 trip to Disney World!

Disney World in January 2026 at a Glance

• Crowds: Light–moderate overall; very heavy New Year’s & MLK weekend
• Weather: Highs ~70°F, lows in the 50s; layers and a light jacket are essential
• Prices: Among the cheapest months for tickets & hotels (if you avoid holidays)
• Events: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, EPCOT Festival of the Arts, Disney After Hours events, cheer/dance competitions
• Big downsides: Many attractions are closed for refurbishment, chilly nights, water parks may close for weather
• Best weeks to visit: Mid- to late-January if you want low crowds and bigger discounts

Disney World Events in January 2026

January is an eventful month at Walt Disney World, offering something for everyone, from athletes and foodies to families celebrating the new year. Whether you’re a runner participating in the Walt Disney World Marathon, a cheerleader competing in national championships, or a fan of art that you can see and eat at EPCOT, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the month.

Here’s a quick look at the January 2026 events:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st, 2026
• Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom: January 12th and 19th, 2026
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: January 7th-11th, 2026
• Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios: January 14th and 28th, 2026
• Disney After Hours at EPCOT: January 12th and 19th, 2026
• Holiday Weekend (Martin Luther King Jr. Day): January 16th-19th, 2026
• EPCOT International Festival of the Arts: January 16th to February 23rd, 2026
• Disney Girls Soccer Showcase: January 16th to 19th, 2026
• College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship: January 16th to 18th, 2026
• Florida Dance Championship: January 19th, 2026
• USA Field Hockey Sunshine Showcase: January 22nd to 24th, 2026
• 2026 Sand Dollar Whitlow Invitational: January 23rd to 25th, 2026
• National School Spirit Championship DII: January 30th to February 1st, 2026

Be sure to check Disney’s theme park hours to see how/if any of these events will impact your park day plans.

How Crowded Is Disney World in January 2026?

January is one of the quieter months at Walt Disney World, especially after the New Year’s holiday crowds disperse. Most schools are back in session, making weekdays relatively calm compared to the peak holiday season. Weekends may still see moderate crowds as locals visit the parks, but overall, it’s a fantastic time to enjoy shorter wait times for popular attractions. Events like the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kick off in mid-January, which can attract some additional visitors, particularly on weekends. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend also tends to draw heavier crowds, but the overall atmosphere remains relaxed compared to busier times of the year.

Tips for Navigating January Crowds

Arrive early! Rope-dropping—being at the park gates before opening—is one of the best ways to enjoy popular attractions with minimal waits. Take advantage of the cooler mornings to tackle outdoor rides and save indoor shows or attractions for the afternoon. Since January evenings can be chilly, plan to do more outdoor attractions earlier in the day and save cozy, warm indoor experiences for after sunset. You can also use the My Disney Experience app to check real-time wait times and modify your plans as needed to ensure you don’t spend your whole day waiting in lines.

January can be one of the most stress-free times to visit Walt Disney World, so enjoy it!

Should You Buy Lightning Lanes in January?

Given the lower crowd levels in January, you may not need to purchase Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Passes for every park/attraction. For example, you may want to purchase the services for your day at Magic Kingdom since there are so many attractions and things to do, but skip the services in parks like EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These parks have fewer rides, so you’ll likely have plenty of time to get to everything on your to-do list thanks to the shorter wait times and lighter crowds.

If there are specific must-do rides on your list, like TRON Lightcycle / Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, consider purchasing Lightning Lane Single Passes for those rather than the full Multi Pass. This selective approach can save money without sacrificing convenience.

What Is the Weather Like at Disney World in January?

Typical Temperatures & Rain

January at Disney World is typically pretty mild and comfortable compared to the Northern states, making it a popular time to escape the cold. But don’t expect it to be a tropical getaway! For January 2026, you can expect daytime highs to land around the low 70s°F (21–23°C) and morning and evening lows to fall into the upper 40s to low 50s°F (9–11°C). Luckily, rainfall stays on the lower side early in the year, so most days are dry and sunny, though brief showers are still possible.

One important thing to keep in mind is that even in a generally mild month, cold fronts can and do happen. Recent winters (including a notable cold snap in late January 2025) have brought temperatures into the 20s and 30s°F on a few mornings.

What to Wear in January

For your January trip, plan to dress in comfortable layers. Pack lightweight long sleeves or t-shirts for the daytime, along with a cozy jacket or fleece for the cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as well as a compact rain jacket or poncho to handle any surprise showers. A small backpack can help carry extra layers or essentials like sunscreen and refillable water bottles. If you’re traveling with little ones, consider adding a warm hat or scarf for nighttime parades or fireworks when temperatures can feel especially chilly.

Disney World Water Parks in January

Despite the cooler season, Disney’s water parks are heated, keeping the water temperature around 80°F (27°C) for a comfortable swim. In January 2026, Blizzard Beach will be closed for its annual refurbishment throughout the month, leaving Typhoon Lagoon as the sole water park option.

Typhoon Lagoon typically operates from 10AM to 5PM daily during January, but it’s always wise to check Disney’s official website or app for the most up-to-date hours. Cold fronts can occasionally cause the park to close for the day, as Disney prioritizes guest comfort and safety. If the forecast predicts cooler weather during your visit, consider having a backup plan in mind, such as exploring the resorts or heading to Disney Springs.

Note that, despite the heated pools, the air temperature can feel chilly, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Pack warm towels, a dry change of clothes, and even a lightweight jacket to stay comfortable when you’re not in the water. You may also want to consider wearing water shoes, as the pavement can feel cold on cooler days.

How Much Does Disney World Cost in January 2026?

January is often considered one of the more budget-friendly months to visit Walt Disney World, especially after the New Year’s holiday crowds subside. Ticket and hotel prices tend to be lower compared to peak seasons, making it a great time for those looking to enjoy the magic while saving a bit on their vacation. However, prices can vary depending on your travel dates, with holiday weekends and special events causing slight increases. Here’s a breakdown of ticket pricing and hotel rates to help you plan your January getaway.

January 2026 Ticket Prices by Park

Walt Disney World ticket prices in January are generally more affordable than during peak holiday seasons, offering great value for guests. Weekdays and non-event days typically have the lowest prices, while weekends and holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day may see slight increases.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for a park ticket in January:

• Magic Kingdom: $174-$199
• EPCOT: $159-$189
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $169-$194
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $149-$174
• Park Hopper: $238-$264
• Park Hopper Plus: $264-$290

January 2026 Disney Resort Price Ranges

January hotel rates at Walt Disney World tend to be lower compared to the bustling holiday season, making it a great time to find deals on accommodations. Value and Moderate Resorts often have the best prices, while Deluxe Resorts may see slight increases during holiday weekends or special events. Be sure to check out January’s hotel deals and discounts before you book to get the best rates!

Here’s an overview of the average price ranges for Disney World hotels in January 2026:

• Value Resorts: $150–$250 per night
• Moderate Resorts: $250–$400 per night
• Deluxe Resorts: $450–$800+ per night

These ranges can vary based on factors like weekends, holiday events, and room availability, so be sure to check Disney’s website or contact reservations for the most accurate pricing.

January Deals and Discounts at Disney World

You don’t have to pay full price for your theme park tickets and Disney Resort hotel stay if you visit in January! Disney is offering special discounts for Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, Military Members, and…well…everyone else!

Discounts for All Guests:

• Save up to 25% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most Sunday to Thursday nights from January 4 to February 19, 2026; and most nights from February 22 to April 30, 2026. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.
• Save up to $250 per night on a 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels, for stays select nights from January 4 to July 25, 2026. Get the details here!
• Get a FREE dining plan for kids (ages 3 to 9) when you purchase a Walt Disney Travel Company package for you and your children that includes a room at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel and a dining plan for each Guest ages 10 and up. Learn more here.

Florida Resident Discounts:

• Save up to 30% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most Sunday to Thursday nights from January 4 to February 19, 2026; and most nights from February 22 to April 30, 2026. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.

Annual Passholder Offers:

• Save up to 35% on hotel stays at select Disney Resorts most Sunday to Thursday nights from January 4 to February 19, 2026; and most nights from February 22 to April 30, 2026. See qualifying hotels and get more details here.

Disney+ Subscriber Discounts:

• Get a special 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket to select theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort this spring, starting at $109 per day, plus tax from January 12th to May 22nd, 2026. Log in to your Disney+ account and secure the deal here!

Military Offers:

• Save on park tickets: Specially priced 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day Disney Military Salute Tickets can be purchased throughout 2026. Learn more here.
• Save on rooms at select Disney Resorts from January 1st through December 18th, 2026. Learn more here.

January Refurbishments and Closures

Disney takes advantage of the quieter post-holiday season to prepare for the busy months ahead, so quite a few refurbishments and closures are scheduled in January 2026. During your visit, you should anticipate some attractions being temporarily (or even permanently) closed across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Additionally, select Disney Resorts may also have areas under renovation, affecting amenities like pools or dining locations.

Knowing about the closures and planning ahead can help you make the most of your vacation despite these temporary changes. Here’s the full list of closures to plan for in January 2026:

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Closed all month, opening in Spring 2026
• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin: Closed all month, opening in Spring 2026
• Frontierland Train Station: Closed all month for refurbishment
• Tom Sawyer Island: Permanently closed
• Liberty Square River Boat: Permanently closed

EPCOT

• Frozen Ever After: Closing for refurbishment beginning January 26th, 2026, reopening in February 2026

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Animation Courtyard: Closed all month for refurbishment, opening late summer 2026
• Disney Jr. Play and Dance!: Permanently closed
• Muppet*Vision 3D: Permanently closed
• PizzeRizzo: Permanently closed
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy: Permanently Closed
• Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano: Permanently Closed

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Harambe Market: Closed all month for refurbishment, reopening in early 2026
• It’s Tough To Be A Bug: Permanently Closed
• Trilo-Bites: Permanently Closed
• Dino-Bite Snacks: Permanently Closed
• The Boneyard: Permanently Closed
• TriceraTop Spin: Permanently Closed
• Fossil Fun Games: Permanently Closed
• Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures: Permanently Closed

Disney Water Parks

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park: Closed all month for refurbishment

Disney Resorts

• Disney Skyliner: Closed for refurbishment from January 25th to January 31st, 2026.

What’s New at Disney World in January 2026?

January 2026 brings fresh experiences and unique offerings to Walt Disney World, making it an exciting time to visit. One of the highlights is the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, returning with new features for its creative celebration. This year, guests can look forward to all-new art installations and interactive exhibits scattered throughout the park. The festival’s fan-favorite Disney on Broadway Concert Series will feature new performers from fan-favorite Disney musicals, creating an unforgettable lineup of live entertainment. Foodies will also enjoy fresh dishes and drinks at the festival’s food studios, where new dishes and beverages are debuting.

Beyond EPCOT, other exciting updates await throughout the parks! Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be sure to stop by the brand new Zootopia: Better Zoogether show. This 4D attraction starring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde moved into the Tree of Life Theater late last year, replacing It’s Tough To Be A Bug. It’s fast, funny, and a great thing to do when you need a little break from all the walking.

And, of course, don’t forget to check out all the other new restaurants, rides, and shows throughout all four theme parks! You can check out our full guide to all the new Disney World restaurants here and all the new rides here!

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to see what’s new, January is a great time to be at Walt Disney World. To learn more about what else is in store for 2026 click here!

Comments

Are you vacationing at Disney World in January? Let us know what you’re most looking forward to in the comments!